Every fall in Marietta, Friday night lights come to life. Amidst the cheers and applause that resonate through Northcutt Stadium, the spirited MHS cheerleaders play a pivotal role that extends far beyond the sidelines, uniting our community with their infectious energy and unwavering support.
Our cheerleaders keep school spirit high with their positivity. They are the connection between the spectators and the team, creating an electric atmosphere with their enthusiasm that echoes throughout all of Marietta.
“Regardless of the score, we have a family watching us and depending on us to bring positivity. Energy is contagious, so it is important for us to keep smiling no matter what,” said Joanne Pham (11).
The feeling of togetherness that they instill in the crowd transforms a group of individuals into a united force. This sense of pride and belonging is key to what makes Marietta special.
Along with boosting spirit, the cheerleaders serve as ambassadors for our school.
“Being a cheerleader is truly an honor because they represent the school and have the privilege of carrying on Marietta tradition,” said Coach Stanecia Nelson.
The Cheerleaders also play a vital role in boosting team morale. They provide continuous encouragement by creating an atmosphere of optimism and hope, inspiring the team to give their all until the final whistle.
“Cheerleaders help the football team in a mental way. When we’re struggling in a game and you look over at the sideline and see the cheerleaders getting hype, it reminds you to stay determined and in the game,” said Cole Baumgartner (10).
In addition, MHS cheerleaders are highly involved with community outreach, making a lasting impact on the lives of others.
“Our goal is to raise spirit for any organization that is needed,” Coach Nelson said. Whether it is welcoming kids at Literacy Day, painting faces at Marietta Reads, helping out at Adapted Games, or volunteering at other fundraisers and events, they always bring smiles and joyfulness that brightens days.
The cheerleaders are role models for peers and younger students.
“When I was a kid, I loved seeing the cheerleaders in their uniforms with their pom poms and pretty smiles. They inspired me with their positive attitudes and made me want to be a cheerleader one day,” Rebecca Moseley (10) said
MHS cheerleaders encourage younger students to pursue their dreams of being high school cheerleaders by running the Mini Blue Devil Camp, where they are taught the basics of cheer.
The cheerleaders are more than a team, they are a family. Through the ups and downs, they can always count on each other for encouragement. They have formed strong friendships that will last a lifetime. These remarkable bonds allow them to work together smoothly as one team, a crucial aspect of being successful. Coaches Stanecia Nelson, Lynn Butler, A’deshi Owens, D’onna Burley, and Ashanti Pilgrim also play important roles in the cheer family.
“I like that our coaches can separate their roles as coaches and second parents. While you can go to them emotionally about what’s going on outside of school and cheer, they also teach us discipline and order,” said Joanne Pham (11).
Constantly striving to be the best they possibly can, the cheer team puts in work all year long.
“My goal is always to advance the program, both individual skillswise and as a whole. Cheerleading is unique because it has strong individual aspects but at the same time is definitely a team sport. It is important for the girls to be motivated to improve their individual skills and be willing to work as a team,” Coach Nelson said.
Their summer schedule includes weight training, practicing at the school, practicing at The Stingray Allstars cheer gym, and attending Universal Cheerleaders Association Camp. UCA camp is an overnight camp where they learn new cheers and work on skills and technique. Every year, they hit the ground running with football cheer practices starting as early as May and continuing through summer and fall to mid Oct.. Then, basketball cheer begins and runs until March. In addition to cheering at football and basketball games, they will be competing for Gameday three times this year- Nov. 18th, Dec. 2nd, and Dec. 8th.
